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Christian School Consulting

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Imago Dei Group
January 2010 Newsletter
                              
Encouraging Excellence in Christian School Leadership
 
  January 2010                Volume III  Issue 1
 
 
 
 
We would like to strongly encourage you to proactively pray, actively seek the heart and mind of God and to desire and pursue wise counsel and the best practices for even more effective ways to serve Christ as we look toward 2010 and finishing this school year in Christ-honoring excellence.
 
 
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The Imago Dei Group is very pleased to announce that it operates from an economy of grace.  
  
 
Furthermore, it is our vision from this economy of grace that no school be unable to afford Christian school consulting but to  realize that such consulting is a flexible resource of insights, best practices and Biblical wisdom. 
 Such stewardship is wise  and cost-effective  for the glory of God as your school grows. 
 We look forward to having the privilege of serving you.
 
 
 
 
 
 "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." 
Proverbs 15:22
 

1 - 3 Years with Eternal Significance

How often do we ask ourselves or say at a board meeting - Our school should develop a strategic plan? Or how many schools have actually done such strategic planning - only to now have a strategic plan in a binder on a shelf that is way off the course in which the school is heading?
 
This may be especially the case in how many Christian schools have been derailed in a tough economy with declining enrollments.  Therefore, might it be wiser to look at short term viability in order to be around for the long run?  Might God's good, perfect and pleasing will be the foundation for such planning?
 
Scripture is very specific with our Almighty and Sovereign God telling us in the wisdom of Proverbs 19:21: "That many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails".  Any planning that is done outside of the will of God will struggle and fail.
 
Additionally, not having the mind and wisdom of God will further set us off course.  In Isaiah 55:8-9, we are taught: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." 
 
Therefore, it is imperative that any and all strategic planning (either short term or long term) be preceded in prayer so as to be certain that the school is going forward - only in the mind, heart and favor of God. Otherwise, we may be a Christian school only in name but not as one with exacting obedience that finds anointed favor in the will and mind of God.
 
When one may only want to share with others what appears to be a "concern" or "issue", this is nothing more than a sugar coating on what in actuality is sin. This is especially so when such words disparage others in the Christian school in any way and most of all are never Christ-honoring.  Ephesians 4:29 exhorts us to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
 
While conflict is inevitable as long as we are pursuing the renewal and transformation of our hearts and minds, Christian schools must find healthy ways to engage in communication throughout the school community. Perhaps a communications policy that encourages whenever someone has an issue or concern, that they first share it only with the direct person who they have conflict. (Either you address this properly in accordance with Matthew 18 or you drop the issue and say no more to anyone.)
 
Likewise, if there is a concern regarding the school and board policy, then it be addressed first to the head of school, then the administration can engage the board if they are unable to resolve the conflict fully at the administrative level.  It is extremely difficult for administrators and school boards to lead the Christian school forward when there are those who continually are not held Biblically accountable for critical and divisive behaviors.  By keeping the circle tight, we prevent factions and uphold unity that fosters the very love that Christ ordained in the Great Commandment.
Special Offer for Newsletter Subscribers

In appreciation to our newsletter subscribers and in light of our focus this month on strategic planning and conflict resolution, we would like to give you up to 1 free hour of phone consultation and/or 20% off any of our consulting services scheduled/initiated between now and May 31st, 2010.
For more information - contact the Imago Dei Group at: info@ImagoDeiGroup. com or 912-656-7567